Peter Ho
Peter Ho (born September 13, 1975) is an American-Canadian singer, actor, producer, and director renowned for his contributions to the Greater China entertainment industry, particularly through leading roles in martial arts television series such as Bu Jingyun in Wind and Cloud (2002) and Lü Bu in Three Kingdoms (2010).[1][2][3] Born in Los Angeles, California, to parents of Hong Kong descent, Ho was raised in Taiwan and Canada, where he studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design before pursuing a career in entertainment.[1][4] His professional journey began in 1998 as a singer, with the release of his debut EP Start of a Dream and full-length album Thoughts of Your Love, following a record deal secured during a karaoke performance; over the subsequent years, he issued seven studio albums while transitioning into modeling and acting.[4][2] Ho's acting breakthrough came with the role of Luo Xiaohu in the television adaptation Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2001), but he achieved widespread acclaim portraying complex martial arts heroes in wuxia dramas.[5][2] Expanding into film, he starred as Lui Fu-Kwan in Born to Be King (2000) and Gordon in Sophie's Revenge (2009), and later ventured into production and direction with projects like the drama Summer's Desire (2010), where he served as producer.[2] By the 2020s, Ho continued diversifying his portfolio, directing and producing series such as Who's By Your Side (2021) and Breeze by the Sea (2024), while developing films like the satirical Appetite for Desire (in development as of 2023), which explores themes of greed and cultural habits through a lens influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.[6][2]Life and background
Early life
Peter Ho was born on September 13, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, to parents of Hong Kong descent.[5][7] He has two older sisters.[8] Ho's family relocated to Taiwan during his early childhood.[5] He was raised there before the family moved to Canada during his adolescence.[5]Education
Peter Ho was raised in Taiwan during his early childhood before relocating with his family to Canada at age 12.[9] In Toronto, Ho enrolled at the Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD University) in the mid-1990s, where he studied design.[9] This training provided a foundation in visual arts, including drawing and conceptual design.[9] By the late 1990s, Ho transitioned into the entertainment industry, securing a record deal with a Singapore-based label and beginning modeling work.[9]Professional career
Music career
Peter Ho signed his first record deal with Universal Music Taiwan in 1998, launching his career as a Mandopop singer.[10] That year, he released his debut EP, In the Beginning of a Dream (夢想的開始), which introduced his smooth vocal style suited to romantic ballads typical of the genre.[11] His follow-up debut studio album, Miss Your Love (想你的愛), arrived later in 1998 under the same label, featuring heartfelt tracks on love and longing but receiving a lukewarm critical and commercial reception.[12] Building on this foundation, Ho released his second album, What Would You Do Without Me (沒有我妳怎麼辦), in 1999, continuing the Mandopop tradition with emotional, melody-driven songs that emphasized personal relationships.[13] Over the next decade, his discography expanded with sporadic releases, including I Only Care About You (我只在乎你) in 2007, which explored more introspective themes of devotion, and Perfect Lover (完美情人) in 2010, reflecting a stylistic shift toward mature, reflective narratives amid evolving production techniques in Mandopop.[13] These works highlighted his growth from youthful romance to deeper emotional depth, though sales figures remained modest compared to contemporaries.[4] In 2008, Ho contributed to the charity single "Let the World Be Filled with Love" (讓世界充滿愛), a collaborative effort by over 100 artists to raise funds for Sichuan earthquake relief, underscoring his involvement in philanthropic music initiatives.[14] Early in his career, he performed at promotional live events in Taiwan to support his albums, though no major solo tours were documented.[15] By the early 2000s, Ho's focus shifted toward acting in mainland China, leading to a decline in music output; his last notable release was the single "Wake Up Love" (叫醒愛) in 2013, with no full albums since 2010 and limited activity thereafter.[13][7]Acting career
Peter Ho began his acting career in Taiwan with a supporting role as a student in the 1994 romantic film The Lovers, directed by Tsui Hark. Following his initial foray into music, which did not achieve commercial success, he transitioned fully to acting in Chinese television dramas around 2000, shifting his focus to mainland China for greater opportunities in the burgeoning industry.[6] This move marked a pivotal point in his career, allowing him to tap into the expanding market for historical and wuxia productions. His breakthrough came in 2002 with the lead role of Bu Jingyun in the wuxia television series Wind and Cloud, a high-profile adaptation of the popular comic that established him as a rising star in the genre.[16] Ho solidified his reputation through major roles in historical dramas, including portraying the formidable warrior Lü Bu in the 2010 epic Three Kingdoms, a role that highlighted his ability to embody complex, larger-than-life figures and contributed to the series' widespread viewership across Asia. He further garnered acclaim for his depiction of the ambitious warlord Xiang Yu in King's War (2012–2014), a critically regarded production chronicling the [Chu–Han Contention](/page/Chu–Han Contention), where his performance as the tragic hero was praised for its intensity and emotional depth.[17] Ho expanded into film with early cameos and leads, notably starring as Leo/Kamen Rider Psyga in the 2003 Japanese action movie Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost, showcasing his martial arts prowess in an international context. Throughout his career, he demonstrated versatility across genres, from high-stakes action and historical epics to romantic narratives, influencing the Chinese-language entertainment landscape by bridging Taiwanese and mainland productions. As of 2025, his recent guest appearance as Gao Heng in The Prisoner of Beauty underscores his continued relevance in contemporary dramas.Producing and directing
Peter Ho began transitioning into producing roles in the early 2010s, marking his expansion from on-screen performances to behind-the-scenes contributions in the Greater China entertainment industry. His first major production credit came with the 2010 Taiwanese drama Summer's Desire, where he served as producer for the adaptation of Ming Xiao Xi's novel, overseeing its development through Three-Giant Production. This project highlighted his growing interest in shaping narratives, particularly romantic dramas that resonated with audiences across Taiwan and mainland China. Ho made his directorial debut in 2018 with Age of Rebellion, a youth-oriented crime drama series in which he also starred as the lead, co-wrote the screenplay, and acted as producer. The 15-episode series, broadcast on LINE TV, explored themes of rebellion and justice among high school students and received critical acclaim, earning nominations for Best Television Series and Best Directing at the 53rd Golden Bell Awards, with Ho winning the Best Directing award.[18] This multifaceted involvement demonstrated his ability to exert creative control, blending action, romance, and social commentary in a format tailored for streaming platforms popular in the region. Building on this success, Ho continued directing subsequent projects, emphasizing psychological depth and family dynamics in collaborations with international platforms. In 2021, he directed the HBO Asia miniseries Who's By Your Side, a 10-episode psychological thriller adapted from a horror novel, co-written with Chiang Yu-chu, which delved into a family's haunted past and garnered praise for its atmospheric tension. He followed this in 2022 with On Marriage: Save the Date, a two-episode sci-fi drama anthology exploring marital themes, where he also contributed as screenwriter. Most recently, in 2024, Ho helmed Breeze by the Sea, an 18-episode romantic comedy series produced with a $3 million budget, starring Bolin Chen and Puff Kuo, which adapts a Korean format to depict a superstar's transformative vacation in a small town, further showcasing his versatility in genre-blending and cross-cultural adaptations.[19] Through these endeavors, Ho has influenced content creation in Greater China by prioritizing original storytelling and strategic partnerships, such as with HBO and LINE TV, allowing him to navigate the competitive streaming landscape while fostering collaborations that amplify Taiwanese narratives regionally.[20] His work underscores a shift toward auteur-driven productions, where he maintains oversight from script to screen to ensure thematic integrity.Personal life
Relationships
Peter Ho has disclosed having been in four relationships throughout his life, though he has only publicly acknowledged two of them.[21][22] His first publicized romance was with Taiwanese singer and actress Jessica Song (宋新妮), which began around the early 2000s when Ho was emerging in the entertainment industry. The couple dated for approximately two years, during which Ho described Song as the woman he loved the most and even considered marriage. However, the relationship ended due to opposition from Ho's management company as he pursued his career, compounded by frequent separations from demanding work schedules.[23][24][25] The remaining two relationships remained private, with limited public details emerging beyond brief mentions of Ho dating models and other figures within the entertainment industry. Ho's rising fame during this period brought significant media scrutiny, making it challenging to maintain privacy and contributing to his preference for discretion in personal matters. Coverage of his romantic history appears incomplete, as no further updates have surfaced after 2016.[21][26]Marriage and family
Peter Ho married Taiwanese designer and model Peggy Lin on September 1, 2016, in a wedding banquet held at Le Méridien in Taipei, following their registration earlier that year and after dating for approximately nine years.[27][28] Lin, who transitioned from a career in sales to fashion design, modeling, and influencing post-marriage, made her acting debut in a minor role across two episodes of the 2018 Taiwanese series Age of Rebellion, which was directed by Ho.[29] (wait, no Wiki, but IMDb is primary for credits) The couple has no children as of 2025, with Lin having previously cited busyness and pandemic-related concerns as factors in delaying family planning, though they have kept such matters private since.[30][31] In spring 2023, after seven years of marriage marked by long-distance living due to Ho's film work, Lin relocated from Taiwan to Hengdian in mainland China to join him, citing improved lifestyle compatibility and career opportunities as key reasons.[32][33] As of 2025, Ho and Lin continue to base themselves in China while Ho pursues projects across Greater China, including a recent birthday celebration shared with his wife and friends.Filmography
Films
Peter Ho debuted in film with a minor role as a student in the romantic drama The Butterfly Lovers (1994), directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai, marking his entry into the Hong Kong cinema scene.[6] Over his career, he has appeared in more than 25 feature films across genres including wuxia, sci-fi, action, and drama, often portraying lead or supporting characters that highlight his versatility in both romantic and intense action roles.[6] His film work spans from early supporting parts to prominent leads in fantasy and historical epics, with key contributions in the 2000s and 2010s; while he has focused more on television since 2020, his cinematic output up to that point includes notable entries like the sci-fi horror One Missed Call 2 (2005) and the wuxia action film Sword Master (2016).[34] No major theatrical films are confirmed for 2021–2025 beyond cameo appearances tied to TV projects.[5] Below is a chronological catalog of his selected film roles, emphasizing significant contributions:- 1994: The Butterfly Lovers – Minor role as Ting Wang Chun (student). This debut showcased Ho's early presence in classical Chinese romance adaptations.[6]
- 1999: The Truth About Jane and Sam – Lead role as Sam/Li Xiaoxin. Ho played a complex immigrant youth navigating love and identity in this coming-of-age drama.[35][6]
- 1999: Deja Vu – Lead role as Peter. In this romantic comedy, Ho portrayed a time-looped protagonist dealing with relationships.[6][34]
- 2000: Born to Be King (Young and Dangerous 6) – Supporting role as Lui Fu Kwan. Ho contributed to the action-crime series as a triad member in this installment.[6]
- 2000: When I Fall in Love... with Both – Lead role as Sam/A-Xin. He starred in this romantic drama exploring polyamory and emotional conflict.[6][34]
- 2001: Dark War – Lead role as Ken Tsui. Ho led this crime thriller as a detective in a high-stakes hostage negotiation.[6]
- 2003: Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost – Supporting role as Leo/Psyga. In this Japanese tokusatsu sci-fi film, Ho played a key hero in an alternate universe battle against monsters.[6]
- 2003: T.R.Y. – Supporting role as Xiao Ding. Ho appeared in this action drama about underground racing and brotherhood.[6]
- 2005: One Missed Call 2 – Supporting role as Yuting. He featured in this J-horror sequel investigating cursed phone calls with supernatural elements.[6]
- 2009: Sophie's Revenge – Lead role as Gorden. In this romantic comedy, Ho portrayed a filmmaker entangled in a love triangle.[34][6]
- 2010: Once Upon a Time in Tibet – Supporting role as Jiangcho. Ho starred as a Tibetan warrior in this historical war drama set during World War II.[36][6]
- 2011: Cold Steel – Lead role as Mu Liangfeng. He played a swordsman seeking justice in this wuxia action film.[36][6]
- 2014: The Monkey King – Supporting role as Erlang Shen. Ho depicted the warrior deity in this fantasy adaptation of the classic novel.[34][6]
- 2014: Fighting – Lead role as Jason. In this action film, Ho's character engages in underground martial arts battles.[6]
- 2016: Sword Master – Lead role as Yen Shih-San. Directed by Derek Yee, Ho portrayed a legendary swordsman in this wuxia tale of skill and rivalry.[34][6]
- 2016: The Precipice Game – Lead role as Ye Qing. Ho led this horror-thriller involving a deadly party game with psychological twists.[6]
- 2017: The Game Changer – Lead role as Lin Zihao. In this historical action drama, Ho played a military strategist during the Sino-Japanese War.[34][6]
- 2020: Double World – Lead role as Chu Hun. Ho starred as a warrior in this 3D fantasy epic based on a web novel, featuring large-scale battles.[34][6]
- 2022: The Monkey King: The Legend Begins – Supporting role as Erlangshen. Ho reprised a divine warrior in this mythological adventure prequel.[34]
Television series
Peter Ho made his television debut in 2001 and has since amassed over 50 roles in series across Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Japan, often portraying complex characters such as stoic warriors, historical emperors, and romantic leads in wuxia, historical, and modern dramas broadcast primarily on networks like CTS, TVBS, Hunan TV, and iQiyi.[6] His extensive portfolio highlights his versatility in serialized formats, with many productions airing on mainland Chinese platforms emphasizing epic narratives and ensemble casts.[6] Key milestones include his breakout lead role as the brooding swordsman Bu Jing Yun in the Taiwanese wuxia series Wind and Cloud (2002, 44 episodes), which established him as a rising star in martial arts dramas.[6] In 2010, he took on the iconic warrior Lü Bu in the expansive historical adaptation Three Kingdoms (95 episodes, Hunan TV), embodying a fierce and ambitious general in one of China's most ambitious period productions.[6] Ho revisited historical themes as the resilient merchant Wu Ping in Nothing Gold Can Stay (2017, 74 episodes, Jiangsu TV), a drama blending commerce and intrigue during the late Qing Dynasty.[6] More recently, in 2025, he made a guest appearance as the enigmatic Gao Heng in The Prisoner of Beauty (36 episodes, iQiyi), adding to his repertoire of subtle, impactful cameos in contemporary costume dramas.[6] The following table catalogs his major television series roles in chronological order, including episode counts, primary networks or countries, and brief notes on character archetypes where distinctive:| Year | Title | Role | Episodes | Network/Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon | Xiao Hu (Main) | 20 | CTS (Taiwanese) | Agile young fighter in wuxia tale |
| 2002 | Wind and Cloud | Bu Jing Yun (Main) | 44 | TVBS (Taiwanese) | Stoic warrior and anti-hero |
| 2002 | Starry Starry Night | Peter (Main) | 15 | CTS (Taiwanese) | Idealistic youth in romance |
| 2003 | Four Marshals | Zhui Ming (Main) | 40 | CCTV (Chinese) | Loyal assassin in imperial intrigue |
| 2004 | Assassinator Jing Ke | Gao Jian Li (Main) | 32 | BTV (Chinese) | Devoted companion to historical assassin |
| 2004 | Love of the Aegean Sea | Li Yao Xiang (Main) | 40 | TVBS (Taiwanese) | Charismatic lead in romantic drama |
| 2005 | The Prince of Qin, Li Shi Min | Li Shi Min (Main) | 40 | Hunan TV (Chinese) | Ambitious future emperor |
| 2006 | The Young Warriors | Yang Yan Hui (Main) | 43 | GTV (Taiwanese) | Brave general in war epic |
| 2007 | Butterfly Lovers | Liang Shan Bo (Main) | 41 | Hunan TV (Chinese) | Tragic scholar in folklore adaptation |
| 2008 | Shanghai Typhoon | Cao Fei (Support) | 6 | Fuji TV (Japanese) | Enigmatic operative in crime thriller |
| 2010 | Three Kingdoms | Lü Bu (Main) | 95 | Hunan TV (Chinese) | Powerful warlord and betrayer |
| 2010 | Summer's Desire | Ou Chen (Main) | 14 | FTV (Taiwanese) | Brooding photographer in suspense romance |
| 2012 | Legend of Chu and Han | Xiang Yu (Main) | 80 | Hunan TV (Chinese) | Charismatic conqueror and king |
| 2013 | Shining Days | Zhang He Fan (Main) | 80 | Jiangsu TV (Chinese) | Resilient family man in urban saga |
| 2015 | Beautiful Secret | Guan Yi (Main) | 39 | Hunan TV (Chinese) | Corporate executive in mystery drama |
| 2016 | Princess of Lanling King | Wu Da Jun (Support) | 47 | Youku (Chinese) | Strategic advisor in historical romance |
| 2017 | Nothing Gold Can Stay | Wu Ping (Main) | 74 | Jiangsu TV (Chinese) | Determined merchant in Qing-era story |
| 2017 | As Flowers Fade and Fly Across the Sky | Hua Man Tian (Main) | 66 | Tencent Video (Chinese) | Noble swordsman in Republican-era wuxia |
| 2018 | Age of Rebellion | Zheng Pin Ru (Main) | 15 | LINE TV (Taiwanese) | Rebel leader in political thriller |
| 2019 | Sword Dynasty | Liang Jing Meng (Support) | 34 | Tencent Video (Chinese) | Enigmatic figure in swordsmanship epic |
| 2020 | Beautiful Reborn Flower | Han Lin (Support) | 50 | iQiyi (Chinese) | Supportive ally in revenge drama |
| 2021 | Fighting Youth | Wen Zhe (Support) | 47 | Tencent Video (Chinese) | Mentor in sports and growth story |
| 2022 | Unchained Love | Long Qian Ye (Main) | 36 | iQiyi (Chinese) | Emperor in palace intrigue |
| 2023 | Blooming Days | He Lian Xin (Main) | 36 | Youku (Chinese) | Historical prince in romance |
| 2024 | Guardians of the Dafeng | Xu Ping An (Guest) | 40 | iQiyi (Chinese) | Guest appearance in historical drama |
| 2024 | Teresa Teng | Wang Zhong Wen (Main) | 48 | Mango TV (Chinese) | Music producer in biopic |
| 2024 | The Legend of Heroes | Duan Zhi Xing (Main) | 60 | Tencent Video (Chinese) | Heroic figure in martial arts legend |
| 2025 | The Prisoner of Beauty | Gao Heng (Guest) | 36 | iQiyi (Chinese) | Mysterious cameo in beauty and power tale |
| 2025 | Homeland Guardian | Zhou Xiong (Support) | 24 | ViuTV (Hong Kong) | Protector in action drama |
| 2025 | Everlasting Longing | [Unspecified] (Support) | 30 | [Unspecified] (Chinese) | Support role in romance drama |
Discography
Albums
Peter Ho released four studio albums and two EPs between 1998 and 2010, establishing him as a prominent figure in Mandopop with themes ranging from youthful romance to more introspective narratives, primarily under Universal Music Taiwan.[37]Studio albums
- Miss Your Love (想你的爱, 1998), featuring ten tracks including the titular ballad, solidified his early popularity in Taiwan and China through radio play and live promotions.[38]
- What Can I Do Without You (没有我你怎么办, 1999), an eleven-track release, explored heartbreak themes and achieved notable airplay in the region.[39]
- I Want to Tell You (好想对你说, 2007), after a recording hiatus, featured fourteen tracks blending pop and R&B, signaling a comeback with personal confessions.
- I Remember I've Loved (我记得我爱过, 2010), also released as Perfect Lover, closed this era with mature themes of reflection and closure across ten tracks, highlighting his vocal depth.[41]
EPs
- Start of a Dream (梦想的开始, 1998), a four-track EP that marked his breakthrough with a fresh pop sound and introduced his smooth vocals to Taiwanese audiences.[42]
- Truth (真心话, 1999), a five-track EP delivering candid emotional lyrics, contributing to his growing fanbase in Asia.[43]
Singles
Peter Ho's singles primarily consist of original soundtrack (OST) contributions for dramas and films in which he starred, along with charity and promotional releases. These non-album tracks often highlight his vocal talents in romantic ballads that align with his on-screen personas, contributing to the cultural impact of the associated media. Over his career, he has released more than 20 such singles, though comprehensive post-2015 documentation remains limited as of 2025. Notable examples emphasize his ties to acting projects and philanthropic efforts. The following is a chronological selection of key singles, focusing on OSTs and standalone releases:- 2005: "殉情" (Die for Love) – OST for the TV drama Phantom Lover (夜半歌声), featuring Ho as the lead singer Song Dan Ping; the melancholic track underscores the series' themes of forbidden love and sacrifice.[44]
- 2005: "相愛" (In Love With Each Other) – Another contribution to the Phantom Lover OST, reflecting the emotional intensity of Ho's character in the romantic narrative.[45]
- 2008: "讓世界充滿愛" (Let the World Be Filled with Love) – Charity single recorded with various artists for Sichuan earthquake relief; Ho donated 100,000 RMB alongside the recording to support disaster victims.[46]
- 2008: "北京歡迎你" (Welcome to Beijing) – Promotional single with multiple artists for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing Ho's involvement in national events.
- 2010: "我記得我愛過" (I Remember I've Loved) – Main theme for the drama Summer's Desire, where Ho starred as Ou Chen; the ballad became a fan favorite, emphasizing themes of enduring love and regret.
- 2010: "假面" (Mask) – Additional OST track from Summer's Desire, exploring deception and hidden emotions in line with the plot's intrigue.[47]
- 2013: "叫醒愛" (Wake Up Love) – Standalone single released amid Ho's acting hiatus, marking a return to music with introspective lyrics on rekindling passion.
- 2014: "遍地狼煙" (Everywhere Smoke of War) – OST single for the film Cold Steel (遍地狼烟, 2011), tying into Ho's historical drama roles with themes of war and resilience.[48]
Awards and nominations
Wins
Peter Ho has won several awards across his multifaceted career in music, television, and film from 1999 to 2018, with no major wins reported since then despite ongoing projects such as the 2025 series The Prisoner of Beauty. These accolades underscore his evolution from a promising newcomer to an accomplished actor and director, particularly in Chinese-language entertainment. Notable achievements include early recognition in music, breakthrough acting honors, and a directorial triumph that marked his transition behind the camera. His wins are distributed across prominent Asian award bodies, emphasizing performances in historical dramas and innovative directing. Below is a chronological overview of select key wins, highlighting high-impact contributions.| Year | Awarding Body | Category | Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards | Most Promising Newcomer (Bronze) | Music debut singles | Recognized for emerging talent as a singer shortly after entering the industry. [50] |
| 2010 | 8th Southeast Music Chart Awards | Most Popular Singer | — | Honored for popularity in music. |
| 2010 | 4th Huading Awards | Best Cross-over Artist | — | Recognized for contributions across music and acting. |
| 2014 | 1st Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China | Best Actor | King's War (TV series) | Honored for portraying Xiang Yu in the historical epic, showcasing his commanding presence in lead roles. [50] |
| 2018 | 53rd Golden Bell Awards (Taiwan) | Best Directing for a Television Series | Age of Rebellion | Shared win for directing the youth drama; his acceptance speech highlighted gratitude to mentors and the challenges of transitioning from acting. [51] [52] |
Nominations
Peter Ho received several nominations for his work in television, particularly in the late 2010s, though his recognition in this area has been sparse since then. Earlier in his career during the 2000s, he earned nominations in acting categories at Chinese popularity-based TV awards, reflecting his rising profile in the industry.1999
- Golden Horse Awards, Best Original Film Song for The Truth About Jane and Sam (nominated).[53]
2008
- BQ Celebrity Score Awards, Favorite Actor (nominated).[53]
2017
- Hengdian Film Festival of China, Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Drama for Nothing Gold Can Stay (nominated).[50]
2018
- Golden Bell Awards, Best Writing for a Television Series for Age of Rebellion (shared nomination with Joyce Liu, Tsung-Han Lee, and Meng-Ho Lan; did not win).[50]
- Golden Bell Awards, Best Television Series for Age of Rebellion (nominated; winner was A Boy Named Flora A).[54]
- Asian Television Awards, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Age of Rebellion (nominated).[50]